What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is rainfall that does not evaporate or infiltrate into the ground but instead eventually flows into nearby lakes and streams. Stormwater pollution is caused by rainwater flowing over the ground and picking up pollutants.

Pollutants & Sources

These pollutants, whether natural or man-made, are carried into streams, creeks, rivers, and lakes. Some of the pollutants include:

Bacteria Fertilizers Herbicides Household hazardous wastes

Litter and debris Oils and grease Pesticides Sediments

Pollutants can enter stormwater from leaking septic tanks, illegal dumping, illicit discharges, automobiles, construction activities, runoff from streets and parking lots, agricultural fields, animal waste, and lawns.

Nonpoint Source Pollution

Stormwater pollution is also referred to as Nonpoint Source Pollution because there is no single point that the pollution comes from, as with industrial and sewer treatment discharge pipes. If pollutants in stormwater reach high enough levels, they could cause toxic levels in our streams, creeks, rivers, and lakes, which could kill fish and other wildlife.

Significant improvements have been achieved in controlling pollutants that are discharged from point sources such as sewage and wastewater treatment plants. Across the nation, attention is shifting to non-point sources of pollution such as stormwater runoff. Stormwater management, especially in urban areas, is becoming a necessary step in the process of further reducing water pollution despite the inherent challenges it brings.

The City of Southaven is in the process of complying with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Stormwater Phase II requirements by adopting a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). 

Contact Us

For more information on this program, visit the DeSoto County Stormwater website. Any questions regarding Southaven’s Stormwater Program should be directed to the Planning and Engineering Department at (662) 393-0111.